5 Vocal techniques every singer should know
Vocal techniques every singer should learn to make more impactful performances.
Vocal techniques are at the core of a musical performance. Besides the musical notes, rhythm, and pace, technique is the most significant factor that strongly impacts the structure and character of a musical performance. Skilled vocalists have various methods and vocal effects at their disposal that allow the accurate expression of various emotions during song performances. Below is a list of 5 vocal techniques every singer should learn and know about.
Breath Control
One of the most essential elements of singing is controlling your breath. It is difficult to produce a clear, solid tone without practicing an appropriate breathing technique.
There are multiple exercises to improve breath control: diaphragmatic breathing which is a breathing technique focusing on strengthening the diaphragm muscle;
- Diaphragmatic breathing is a breathing technique focusing on strengthening the diaphragm muscle. To practice this, lie on your back with your knees bent. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Inhale through your nose, making your stomach rise, then exhale slowly as your stomach falls and repeat ten times.
- Hissing sound which helps sustain lower notes. This can be practiced lying down, sitting, or standing. If lying down, raise your knees and place your hands on your stomach. Inhale through your nose, then exhale with a hissing sound by gritting your teeth and using your tongue, feeling your stomach move in and out.
- Lip trills warm up the vocal cords. Inhale through your nose, then exhale through your mouth, making your lips vibrate without using your voice. Once comfortable, add vocalization to the trills.
Practicing breath control exercises helps prevent vocal injuries enabling the performance of powerful high notes. Other benefits involve greater vocal endurance with more energy and stamina, improved vocal tone, and reduced tension on the vocal cords while singing. Here is a video with more examples of breath control exercises:
Vibrato
Vibrato is the pitch oscillation that gives a pulsating effect to a sustained note. For example, in Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” she uses vibrato on the words “I” and “You,” adding warmth and richness to her voice as she extends each note.
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Although vibrato sounds natural, it is fully controlled by the singer, who decides how long to sustain the note, when to introduce vibrato, its rate and depth, and when to return to a steady tone. The use of vibrato often depends on the musical style and the emotional content of the song, reflecting the singer’s emotional involvement and desired effect.
Vocal Runs
Vocal runs highlight a singer’s technical ability and artistic style, enhancing the distinctiveness of their vocal performance. These runs involve a rapid, smooth sequence of notes along a scale or melody, showcasing agility and seamless transitions between notes. When done well, they can captivate audiences and elevate the performance.
The term “vocal run” is commonly used in genres like R&B, gospel, pop, and jazz, where these techniques add embellishment and emotional expression to melodies. Singers who excel at intricate vocal runs are often admired for their skill and versatility in managing these melodic flourishes.
Falsetto
In Sam Smith’s song “Stay With Me,” notice how the chorus uses falsetto on the words “Stay with me.” This technique imparts a vulnerable and emotional quality to the song, making the performance feel more intimate and enhancing the impact of the lyrics.
Falsetto involves singing notes in a higher register than usual by partially vibrating the vocal folds. This produces a lighter, breathier, and flute-like sound, often used to add expressiveness, particularly in higher ranges.
Voice Dynamics
Voice dynamics refer to the variation in loudness and intensity in a singer’s performance, enhancing depth, emotion, and expressiveness.
Volume levels in music include Fortissimo (ff), Forte (f), Mezzo-forte (mf), Mezzo-piano (mp), Piano (p), and Pianissimo (pp). Singers can adjust their volume from very loud (fortissimo) to very soft (pianissimo), with various intermediate levels.
A crescendo gradually increases volume, while a decrescendo decreases it. These techniques can be applied to phrases or sections to create anticipation, tension, or release.
Examples of effective use of dynamics include Adele’s “Someone Like You,” which starts softly to convey vulnerability and builds intensity in the chorus, and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” which uses softer, breathier vocals in the verses and more powerful dynamics in the choruses.
Vocal techniques are essential for becoming a well-rounded and versatile singer. Mastering and applying these techniques thoughtfully can enhance a singer’s artistry, making their performance more nuanced and captivating.
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